Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter

Years in Fire/EMS:

10

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Simms Fire Department

Years With Department/Agency

2

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.westvalleyfiremt.net

Web Site:

http://www.westvalleyfiremt.net

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Vaughn Fire Department, Black Eagle Fire Department, Ulm Fire Department

My Training:

Fire/Rescue, Hazmat, Wildland, Vehicle Extrication

About Me:

I enjoy my job as a fire fighter, I started fire fighting when I was 16 yr as a junior fire fighter, side by side with my Father (Asst Chief). My first love in life, my husband fights fire side by side with me. My passion in this field of work makes me strive each day to learn and grow to be all that I can for my family and my community.

Day Job:

Weather Forecasting Technician

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Cascade-County-West-Valle...

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I started out as a junior fire fighter at the age of 16 with Ulm Fire Department, together with a childhood friend. His dad was the Chief of the department and my dad was the Asst Chief at the time. We worked together on the department, I enjoyed the time spent with my dad and the other department members. My friend went on to be a fire fighter with the Air National Guard, and passed away in 1993 from a MVA. I continued on my passion for fire fighting after I met my husband and returned back to Montana with Black Eagle Fire Department. I have always enjoyed the feeling I get when I am able to be there when someone is in need of assistance. I love the volunteer time, it is what drives me to be better each and every day as a fire figher. I spend my summers out with our crew (my husband is the crew boss) in wild land fires.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

I love giving back to the community, and helping out those in need; even when it is a parade or a local benefit. Mostly, I love the job!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Time; it is the hardest to recover (it can never be.) Resources, personnel and equipment. Nothing will ever go as planed in a fire; but with our department, we do what we can with what we have. It is the hardest thing to fight with a volunteer department.